Magners League gets play-offs for 2009

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Play-offs will be used to decide the Magners League champions from 2009/10.

Play-offs will be used to decide the Magners League champions from 2009/10.

The Celtic competition will follow England's Guinness Premiership and the French Top 14 in deciding its title-winning team via a knockout format.

The new Magners League season, which kicks off on Friday week, will be the last in its present format.

“Celtic Rugby is always striving to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments around the world,” said Celtic Rugby director David Jordan.

“Consequently, this season will be the last that the Magners League is played in its present format.

“From 2009/10, we will be introducing an end-of-season play-off to determine the Magners League champions, with the top four teams qualifying for the knockout stage.

“A grand final will provide a great day out for fans and commercial partners alike.”

Play-offs were introduced in the English game six seasons ago, with Wasps landing four titles during that period, courtesy of grand final success at Twickenham.